Spine MRI in Düsseldorf

If back pain has no clear cause or occurs repeatedly, we can use MRI for further diagnostic assessment. In addition to the intervertebral discs and vertebral bodies, it also shows nerve structures, the spinal cord and soft tissues. This can reveal possible causes of pain that are not always visible with other examinations.

If a herniated disc is suspected, MRI of the spine can show whether disc tissue is pressing on nerves. Disc degeneration and changes in the vertebral bodies can also be assessed. This is particularly helpful when pain radiates into the arm or leg, numbness occurs or back pain does not improve despite conservative treatment.

Spinal canal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal. This can place pressure on nerve structures. MRI of the spine shows where the narrowing is located and how severely the nerves or spinal cord are affected. This is particularly important when pain occurs while walking, the legs feel heavy or symptoms improve when sitting.

If a vertebral fracture is suspected, magnetic resonance imaging at our practice in Düsseldorf can show whether a recent fracture is present and which structures are affected. This is important, for example, after an accident or in patients with osteoporosis, where even minor strain can lead to fractures. At the same time, we can assess accompanying changes in the intervertebral discs, spinal cord or adjacent soft tissues.

If an inflammatory disease of the spine is suspected, MRI can show whether the vertebral bodies, intervertebral discs, small vertebral joints or adjacent soft tissues are affected. This is relevant, for example, in conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis or spondylitis. Further diagnostic assessment may also be useful if back pain occurs primarily at rest, becomes worse at night or is associated with morning stiffness.

If tumors or metastases in the area of the spine are suspected, MRI can provide important information about their location, extent and involvement of adjacent structures. It shows whether the vertebral bodies, spinal cord, nerve structures or soft tissues are affected. The examination can also help distinguish these changes more precisely from inflammatory or degenerative causes.

If pain radiates from the back into the buttocks, leg or foot, irritation of a nerve root may be the cause. This is also commonly referred to as sciatica. MRI shows whether a nerve root is irritated or compressed by a herniated disc, degenerative changes or narrowing of the spinal canal.

If numbness, paralysis, unsteady gait or problems with bladder or bowel function occur, prompt diagnostic assessment may be necessary. MRI of the spine can show whether the spinal cord, nerve roots or spinal canal are responsible for the symptoms.

Magnetic resonance imaging can also be used as an additional examination for certain neurological questions. It visualizes the spinal cord and can reveal changes that occur, for example, in multiple sclerosis or other diseases of the central nervous system. The examination is often combined with a head MRI when a more comprehensive neurological assessment is required.

In scoliosis, the spine is curved sideways and is often additionally rotated. We use MRI when the misalignment is associated with symptoms such as numbness or other neurological symptoms. It shows whether the spinal cord, nerve structures, intervertebral discs or adjacent soft tissues are also affected. Before certain treatments or operations, the examination can also help assess the structures of the spine more precisely.

MRI can also help visualize the affected structures more precisely before certain procedures. After spinal surgery, we can use this radiation-free examination to assess the healing process or investigate recurring symptoms. Scar tissue, intervertebral discs, nerve structures, the spinal cord and adjacent soft tissues can all be visualized.